LinkedIn Lessons from CEO, Jeff Weiner

With over 3oo million users and 40% of it’s users checking LinkedIn on a daily basis, you can bet someone is checking out your profile.

What better way to learn how to make your profile stand out, then from  LinkedIn CEO himself, Jeff Weiner?

Fortune magazine recently interviewed Weiner on ways to perfect your LinkedIn profile. Here’s what they found along with our professional recruiting advice:

 1. PROFILE PHOTO: Use a high-quality photo with your face forward against a solid background – preferably white. Use a professional headshot (if possible) where you are appropriately dressed. As in dressing for interviews, less is more so go easy on your hair and makeup.

2. CONTACT INFO: Fortune states that “too many people omit their personal contact info out of privacy fears.” While we do recognize the growing demand to protect your online identity, you should realize by now that HR departments, executive recruiters, and job candidate seekers  are already researching your online profiles as part of their due diligence on your job application. On your LinkedIn profile, use your main email address and include your Twitter handle. If you have an online portfolio or blogs, include it in the “Websites” section of your profile.

3. BACKGROUND SUMMARY: We’ve noticed how people are leaving their LinkedIn page on during the day, the same way that Facebook is being used. We totally agree with Fortune magazine that LinkedIn profiles are being seen not just by job seekers and headhunters, but by your work colleagues, industry peers, contacts, and others. Instead of coping and pasting it from your resume, make this section more dynamic. Include some personal facts about yourself that might be relevant e.g. You grew up overseas in Paris which makes you multi-cultural, You like to take recreational graphic design classes over the weekend which gives you a new skill, etc. This section is what will make you stand out even before viewers scroll down to your experience, so make it worth their while and get their attention!

4.COMPREHENSIVE & CONCISE EXPERIENCE: We found it interesting that Weiner first omitted his first job out of college as an analyst, and then ADDED it back into his profile later. As executive recruiters, we’re always weary when we see any gaps in a job candidate’s resume. While we understand that some jobs may seem too “junior” and irrelevant especially at the beginning of your work experience, it’s best to leave it in your experience section rather than leaving gaps in between jobs. The less flags you raise, the more likely viewers are to continue their interest in your profile and what you have to offer. Remember, everyone had to start somewhere.

 5. RECOMMENDATIONS: It is crucial and extremely advantageous to include recommendations as part of each work experience you list in your LinkedIn profile. Include 2 or 3 per work experience. Seeing these recommendations breaks up all the copy in your work experience section, and it gives the added bonus of credibility to your background. If you can get a recommendation from a former supervisor or a client, even better!

6. VOLUNTEERING/ORGANIZATIONS/GROUPS: Listing organizations that you’re part of (volunteer work, trade organizations, etc.) humanizes you and gives people a chance to connect with you based on similar interests. So whether you’re part of CEW, BIW, Step Up, or other groups, don’t forget to add them on your profile!

According to Forbes, 58% of LinkedIn users this year were spending more than 2 hours a week on LinkedIn. 

With such limited time during our already hectic lives, maybe it’s time to make your LinkedIn page as easy to read as possible with our above tips.

Good luck!

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